How to Book a Meeting With a BMO Advisor in Montreal: Complete Guide
Ever wondered how to actually schedule a meeting with a BMO personal banking or investment advisor in Montreal, without running around in circles or getting stuck in a phone queue? This article gives you the full process from a hands-on, personal perspective, including real screenshots, practical tips, and things I wish I’d known the first time I did it. Plus, I’ll explain the differences you might encounter depending on your account type or banking needs. At the end, I’ll throw in a summary and some next steps, and even touch on what global standards say about verified appointments (because, yes, compliance is a thing banks actually care about!).
Quick Summary
If you’re in Montreal and need to book a meeting with a BMO advisor, you can do it online, by phone, or in person. Each method has its quirks (I’ll share some surprises I hit along the way). For most people, the online process is fastest—if you know the hidden traps. I’ll walk you through step-by-step, with examples, screenshots, and a story of my own failed attempt that’ll hopefully save you some face.
Step-by-Step: Scheduling an Appointment at BMO Montreal
Step 1: Decide What Kind of Advice You Need
First off, are you looking for a personal banking advisor (like for mortgages, loans, or day-to-day banking) or an investment advisor (for RRSPs, TFSAs, or wealth management)? This matters because BMO splits their advisors into different categories, and not every branch has both types.
For me, I needed advice about a TFSA transfer and some general tax planning. So, I wanted an investment advisor. If you’re not sure, call the branch first—the front desk can usually point you in the right direction. (BMO’s branch locator is handy for this: branches.bmo.com).
Step 2: Use the BMO Online Booking System (with Screenshots)
Here’s where things get interesting. BMO’s online appointment system is both a blessing and a curse. I’ll walk you through the process with screenshots (these are from my own attempts in April 2024).
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Go to the BMO Appointment Page:
You can start here: https://www.bmo.com/main/contact-us/book-appointment/ -
Select Your Banking Need:
You’ll see options like “Personal Banking,” “Investing & Wealth,” or “Borrowing.” Choose the one that matches your needs. Here’s a screenshot of the selection page:
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Enter Your Location:
Type “Montreal” or your postal code. You’ll get a list of nearby branches, with available advisors and appointment slots.
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Pick a Date and Time:
Here’s the tricky part: not all advisors have open slots every week. Sometimes, the nearest branch doesn’t have anyone available for days. I once tried to book on a Monday and the earliest slot was the next Thursday—so plan ahead.
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Provide Your Contact Info:
Fill in your name, phone, and email. If you’re an existing client, have your account number handy (I’ve been asked for it at the door, but never during booking). -
Confirm and Get a Confirmation Email:
After submitting, you’ll get an email like this:
If you don’t get the email within 10 minutes, check spam—or, as happened to me once, the appointment didn’t actually go through (no error message, just vaporized…). In that case, try again or call the branch directly.
Step 3: Book by Phone (If Online Fails You)
Maybe you prefer the human touch, or maybe the online system just hates you today. You can always call the branch directly—use the branch locator to find their number. Pro tip: ask to speak directly to an advisor, not just the front desk. I once left a message with reception and waited two days before realizing they never passed it on.
For investment questions, you can also call BMO InvestorLine at 1-888-776-6886.
Real-world tip: If you’re booking for something urgent (like mortgage rate holds that expire), explain your timeline. Advisors can sometimes squeeze you in, even if the online calendar says “fully booked.”
Step 4: Walk-In (Yes, It Still Works—Sometimes)
If you’re old-school or just happen to be passing by, you can drop into most branches and ask if an advisor is free. In my experience, the downtown Montreal branches are busier, and you’ll often be asked to book ahead. In smaller neighborhood branches (like NDG or Verdun), I’ve walked in and sat down with an advisor after a 10-minute wait. But don’t count on this if you have a tight schedule.
What If You Need a Specific Service? (Mortgage, RRSP, Business Banking)
Some services require a specialist. For example, mortgage advisors are only available at certain branches, and business banking is often handled separately. BMO’s system lets you filter by service, but if you have a more complex request (like inheritance transfers or cross-border accounts), you’re better off calling and describing your situation in detail.
According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, banks must provide clear information about services and fees during such meetings—so don’t hesitate to ask for written confirmation, especially if you’re making major financial decisions.
Global Standards: How Does BMO’s Process Stack Up?
You might be surprised, but even something as simple as booking a bank appointment is affected by international compliance standards—especially around “verified trade” and anti-money laundering. The OECD and WTO both publish guidelines on financial client verification (OECD AML/CFT Guidance, 2019). In Canada, banks must verify your identity before discussing sensitive account details, which is why you’ll sometimes be asked for multiple IDs or even a secondary confirmation at the branch.
Here’s a quick comparison of “verified trade” standards for appointment-based banking across countries:
| Country | Standard Name | Legal Basis | Enforcement Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | PCMLTFA (Proceeds of Crime/Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing Act) | PCMLTFA | FINTRAC |
| USA | Customer Identification Program (CIP) | Bank Secrecy Act | FinCEN |
| EU | AML Directive (AMLD5/6) | EU AMLD5 | National Financial Regulators |
In plain English: BMO’s Montreal advisors have to confirm your identity and sometimes your reason for the appointment, especially for investment or large dollar discussions. This is usually seamless, but don’t be surprised if you’re asked for ID even if you’re a long-time client.
A Real-World Example: Booking Gone Wrong (and How I Fixed It)
Here’s a quick story: Last winter, I tried to book a BMO appointment online for an RRSP rollover. Picked my branch, chose my slot, filled in my details, and hit submit. Nothing happened—just a spinning wheel. After 10 minutes of refreshing, I gave up and called the branch. Turns out their online system was down for maintenance (no notice on the website). The advisor apologized, booked me for the next day, and even emailed me a checklist of documents to bring. Lesson learned: if you don’t get an immediate confirmation, always call to double-check.
Expert Take: What Branch Managers Want You to Know
I asked a friend who works as a BMO branch manager in Montreal what people get wrong about booking appointments. Here’s what she said:
“The biggest issue is people booking the wrong type of appointment, or not giving enough detail in the booking notes. If you want to talk investments, say so. If you’re bringing a co-signer, let us know. It’s not about being nosy—it’s so we can match you to the right person and make sure you don’t have to book twice.”
— Sophie L., BMO Branch Manager, Montreal (2024)
That matches my own experience. The more you specify, the smoother your meeting will go.
Summary & Next Steps
Booking a meeting with a BMO advisor in Montreal isn’t rocket science, but it’s not always as simple as it seems. The online system works 80% of the time, but always confirm by phone if you’re booking anything complex or time-sensitive. Remember that BMO’s process is shaped by real compliance rules—so bring your ID and expect a few extra steps for investment advice.
Next steps: Use the online system if you can, but don’t be afraid to call or walk in. If you have a unique situation (multiple account holders, international transfers, etc.), spell it out in your appointment notes. And if all else fails, a friendly phone call to the branch can solve most problems faster than any website.
For more details on Canadian banking compliance, see FINTRAC’s official guidance: https://www.fintrac-canafe.gc.ca/guidance-directives/overview-apercu/1-eng
My final tip: Don’t leave your appointment to the last minute, especially during RRSP season or pre-holiday weeks. You’ll thank yourself for planning ahead.